Microsoft Live Search goes Kumo?

Microsoft's confused internet search service could be in for another re-branding, although it faces a potential trademark hurdle.

MicrosoftWatch blogger and MicroBite co-host Mary-Jo Foley has reported Microsoft's doubling down on the Kumo name that's been floated as a potential alternative to the current "Live Search" name.

The company has begun pointing some of its search servers to the Kumo.com domain, which it had already registered. And in a potential indication of where Microsoft search is going, the company's registered a list of Kumo.com sub-domains covering wikis, travel, and groups. This hints at a series of specialized vertical and search areas that are powered by the search service.

All well and good, except there's at least one hurdle to Microsoft re-branding Live Search as Kumo.com. LiveSide.com has reported a trademark for the Kumo name has already been filed in with the US Patent and Trademark office under the category of search engines.

The name was filed after reports the Kumo name was in contention as a re-branded Live Search earlier this year.

The owner is one Dascar Samira Facendo of Venezuela, who is also owner of the edu.edu domain, which he's held since 1989.

Any Kumo name change would be the latest make over for Microsoft's fledgling internet search service. Currently called Live Search, the service debuted as Windows Live Search. The "Live" moniker has been attached to a large, and growing number, of Microsoft's online activities. ®